Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Graduate Scholarships

1. Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Graduate Scholarships Jill McClay, Associate Dean Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

2. Topics: Goal and Objectives of SSHRC funding Master’s scholarships: kinds, eligibility, adjudication Doctoral scholarships: kinds, eligibility, adjudication Advice for developing your application (all scholarships) Consult carefully: www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

3. Goal of SSHRC Talent Program: “The goal of the Talent program is to support students and postdoctoral fellows in order to develop the next generation of researchers and leaders across society, both within academia and across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.” www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

4. Objectives: “support the development of the best or most promising highly qualified personnel with social sciences and humanities research and professional skills; support the best or most promising social sciences and humanities students and postdoctoral fellows selected through an adjudication process; support students and scholars in gaining exposure to international social sciences and humanities scholarship; and mobilize social sciences and humanities knowledge that has the potential to lead to intellectual, cultural, social and economic influence, benefit and impact.” Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

5. Scholarships for Masters Level Graduate Students

6. Master’s level funding: Joseph-Armand Bombardier CGS Master’s Scholarship (through block grants to universities) ($17,500. for 12 months, nonrenewable) CGS-Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements (for J-A Bombardier holders) (up to $6000. for 3-6 months international study in program) Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

7. Eligibility Canadian citizen or perm resident; enrolled in, or intend to apply for full-time admission to eligible master’s program with a CGS M allocation; have completed, as of Dec 31, 2013, between 0-12 months of full-time studies, or full-time equivalent in a MA/or PhD program if you are going straight in from bachelor’s program (ie., fast-track); not previously have held a CGS M; have achieved 1st class standing as determined by host university, in last 2 completed years of study (full-time equivalent). Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

8. Adjudication (Master’s level): SSHRC allocates specific number to each university (U of A for 2013-14 will have 41). Multidisciplinary scholarship committee of each university uses the following criteria: 50% Academic excellence 30% Research potential 20% Personal characteristics and interpersonal skills Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

9. Research Ability or Potential Quality of contributions to research and development Relevance of work experience and academic training to field of proposed research Significance, feasibility, and merit of proposed research, and justification for location of tenure Ability to think critically Ability to apply skills and knowledge Judgment Originality Initiative and autonomy Enthusiasm for research Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

10. Scholarships for Doctoral level Students

11. Doctoral level scholarships—4 types of funding: Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program—Doctoral Scholarships provide support for individuals undertaking doctoral studies at Canadian universities. $35,000/yr up to 36 months. SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships provide support for individuals undertaking doctoral studies at Canadian or foreign universities. $20,000/yr for 12, 24, 36, or 48 months.

12. Doctoral level scholarships (continued) Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships provide support for Canadian and international students undertaking doctoral studies at Canadian universities. $50000./yr for 3 yrs. Canada Graduate Scholarships—Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements provide support for research experiences outside of Canada to holders of Joseph-Armand Bombardier Scholarships or Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships. $6000. for 3-6 months international study.

13. Eligibility for doctoral J-A Bombardier and SSHRC CGS scholarships: You must: be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada; be applying for support to pursue your first PhD (or equivalent); be pursuing doctoral studies in the social sciences or humanities; not have already received a scholarship or fellowship from SSHRC, NSERC, or CIHR for doctoral studies or MA/PhD; not be applying in the 2013-14 academic year to NSERC or CIHR. Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

14. Adjudication: Multidisciplinary committees evaluate applications based on academic merit, as evidenced by: past academic results, as demonstrated by transcripts, awards and distinctions; the program of study and its potential contribution to the advancement of knowledge; relevant professional and academic experience, including research training, as demonstrated by conference presentations and scholarly publications; two written evaluations from referees; and the departmental appraisal (for those registered at Canadian universities). SSHRC will determine the number of months funding if you are successful. Consult web site. Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

15. Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

16. Process and tips for developing all scholarship applications:

17. Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

18. SSHRC - Research Project Dr. Lori ThorlaksonAssociate ProfessorDepartment of Political Science

19. What characterizes the best SSHRC proposals? • Project has clear questions or research objectives. • Project appears doable in the time span of one’s graduate program. • All questions asked are answered (why you chose the program, etc). • Project is interesting to the average professor & presented in a way to engage a curious intellect.

20. Some ways that SSHRC proposals are likely excluded: Question is grand and/or amorphous. Goals for program are too ambitious. Project appears to be one already funded and handed to student from professor. Language used is too vague, plans too open.

21. Excluded continued… Question has a “so what” feel to the average intellectual in regards to scientific or practical contribution. References lack credibility, no. is excessive or too few. (You only want a few keys citations; there’s not enough space for more.) Grammatical, spelling, typographical errors.

22. Plan Ahead Read “for fun” in the area you have a growing interest. View other examples successful SSHRC applications. Ask questions before you write it up; discuss ideas with professors and other graduate students. Ask several professors, excellent writers to review your proposal. Become impervious to criticism.

23. SSHRC - Reference Letters Dr. Bryan HogeveenAssociate ProfessorDepartment of Sociology

24. What can you do? Provide professor sufficient lead time Approach them well before the deadline Follow up as the deadline approaches Provide your CV, transcripts, greatest hits Whom should I approach? Supervisor (a must!) Someone familiar with your work and progress, i.e.: • Someone in whose class you excelled • Someone with whom you have published • A former supervisor (e.g. M.A.)

25. Think before asking: Someone who is tangentially familiar with or connected to your research/thesis Choose your references wisely!

26. As a Reviewer I am looking for: An enthusiastic letter written by someone who is clearly familiar with the applicant That situates the program of study Can speak to the applicant’s strengths Explains why this applicant is the one to do this research Addresses any gaps or absences in publication record or progress Highlights applicants contributions that might not be obvious or appear on the application Explains the importance of a paper the applicant published in high impact journal X

27. Questions? Contact SSHRC • Website: http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/index-eng.aspxTelephone:613.943.7777 • Email: fellowships@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca • For technical assistance with on-line forms: (613) 995-4273 orwebgrant@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca Contact FGSR • Telephone: 780.492.9460 • Email: grad.awards@ualberta.ca

28. 2012 SSHRC Competition Statistics 2012 Vanier CGS (31over three years) 48 (total) applications reviewed by Vanier Committee / 2 awarded by SSHRC 2012 SSHRC CGSM Quota 35 63 applications reviewed by GSC / 35 awarded by SSHRC 2012 SSHRC Doctoral Quota 73 118 applications reviewed by GSC / 14 CGSD & 16 Doctoral Fellowships awarded by SSHRC

29. Eligibility of Subject Matter for SSHRC All applications to SSHRC must meet the following two criteria: The program of research must be primarily in the social sciences and humanities (aligned with SSHRC’s legislated mandate); and The intended outcome of the research must primarily be to add to our understanding and knowledge of individuals, groups and societies—what we think, how we live, and how we interact with each other and the world around us.

30. Eligibility of Applications Related to Health Research primarily intended to improve health, produce more effective health services and products and/or strengthen the Canadian health care system is not eligible for SSHRC support (example: Research concerning the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of a condition, evaluation of the effectiveness of health programs, development of health management systems, clinical trials, etc) Research eligible under the mandate of CIHR will not be considered by SSHRC. CIHR provides funding opportunities for four themes of health research: Biomedical; Clinical; Health systems services; and Social, cultural, environmental and population health.

31. Eligibility of Applications Related to Health Research proposals related to health or in psychology: applicants must justify submission of the proposal to SSHRC (rather than to NSERC or CIHR) Refer to Guidelines at http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca under Apply for Funding/Selecting a Funding Agency If in doubt, send a copy of your research proposal to SSHRC for review (well before deadlines)